PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (June 10, 2011)—The Chesapeake Bay Trust recognized Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) for exemplary environmental leadership at its Treasure the Chesapeake Celebration on May 24. The Trust’s Melanie Teems Award is given to an outstanding grant program that engages or educates Maryland students and citizens about Bay issues or restoration.
For three years, CCPS operated the Chesapeake Bay Trust-funded Green Schools to a Clean Bay initiative, a program designed to create a school culture that leads to a healthier Chesapeake Bay. As a result of this effort, CCPS became the first and only system in Maryland to achieve 100% Green School status, a distinction earned by those schools demonstrating the highest standards of environmental stewardship.
At the award ceremony, Superintendent Jack Smith noted that the success of the Green Schools to a Clean Bay program could be attributed to the close coordination between CHESPAX, the school system’s departments of instruction and facilities, and community project partners. CHESPAX is the school system’s environmental education program.
Some of the efforts at the schools include energy conservation, recycling, school yard habitat projects, and various other programs designed to result in a cleaner bay and a more informed citizenry. For more information, visit the Green Schools website at http://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/other/greenschools/ .
Source: Calvert County Public Schools